LDF may suffer setback if it protects Ganesh Kumar; Minister will have to resign

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Serious allegations raised by Bindu Menon against minister K B Ganesh Kumar may lead to his resignation. With a cabinet meeting scheduled for today, political observers say a resignation at any time would not be surprising. If that happens, the ruling front may have to find another candidate in Pathanapuram.

The new controversy has become a major setback for the LDF, which is preparing to approach voters highlighting development achievements and women’s safety. Several leaders of allied parties believe that defending the minister would only lead to embarrassment, and some have reportedly conveyed their stance to the CPM leadership. The same view is said to be gaining support within the party as well.

The government, which supported the victims in the actress assault case and the Rahul Mamkootathil issue, now finds itself in a difficult situation because of the allegations against Ganesh Kumar. With elections approaching, the government has been running a major campaign focusing on women’s safety. In fact, the actress who was attacked had recently appeared in a government advertisement related to this campaign. Political circles are now closely watching whether Ganesh Kumar will attend today’s cabinet meeting.

Ganesh Kumar has reportedly started efforts to meet Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in person to explain his side of the issue. He is also said to be contacting leaders of other parties. The Chief Minister had earlier been reluctant to abandon Ganesh Kumar, who played a role in bringing the government closer to the NSS. However, after Bindu Menon revealed that she had informed even the Chief Minister’s daughter about the issue, it may be difficult for the Chief Minister to stay away from the matter. Party sources indicate that Ganesh Kumar may be asked to resign.

Meanwhile, opposition leaders, including V D Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala, and Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, have already demanded that the minister be removed from the cabinet.

Ganesh Kumar had earlier resigned from a UDF government following a complaint filed by his first wife Yamini Thankachy. Now, similar allegations have been raised by his second wife Bindu Menon. The statements made by Bindu Menon on a news channel have shocked many people in Kerala.

Yesterday, BJP workers staged a protest march to Ganesh Kumar's residence in Valakom.

In the 2016 Kerala Legislative Assembly election, the LDF had campaigned by accusing leaders of the UDF of moral misconduct in connection with the Solar scam. The Congress leadership had earlier alleged that Ganesh Kumar played a role in targeting former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy during that campaign. Recently, some remarks made by Ganesh Kumar about Oommen Chandy had also created controversy, prompting a response from Chandy’s family.